Aria

Chapter 33

-Aria-

"L-Leo wai-t!" I laugh as I hurry through the living room, where Leo had bombarded me and started the unbearable tickle attack. As I reach the top of the stairs, I turn around to see how far behind he is. 

The light smile on my face fades as a high-pitched ringing appears out of nowhere. I hear Leo's kind laughter fade and the gentle footsteps that were once following me suddenly stop. Abruptly, the lights start blinking—zing—they are out. My breath gets stuck in my throat as I try to call out for Leo. My attempt is futile; my voice can't be heard.

-click-

In the darkness, a cool breeze carried through the hall, and two shadows appeared.

That's not Leo.

I gather my thoughts and push the fear away. I'm sure he's around here, he's probably just messing with me.

One of the figures walks closer, staggering like a certain individual I know. The smell of alcohol reaches my nose and my eyes widen in horror.

He's here.

I freeze as he pulls out his beloved blade, one I am all too familiar with.

"Tsk tsk, I told ya not to tell, didn't I?" He runs his finger along the hilt, hissing when he slices his thumb.

"Shit-" he wipes the blood on his ripped pants and raises his gaze, " ya think this is funny?" he hobbles towards me. Before I could take a step back the second figure steps forward and grabs my hair. I hiss as my hair is yanked and reach my hands out to grab the mysterious figure, only to find sharp nails digging into my flesh.

I tremble in fear as I try to inhale deeply.

"It's a shame really, such a beauty." He glides his hand through my hair before tugging sharply at the end. "Boss is waiting for ya," He raises the blade high before hurling it down, slicing my should-

I gasp and sit up, tears filling my eyes as the ringing intensifies. The wet rag on my forehead plops in my lap and I would have fallen back if it weren't for a weight holding me up from behind.

"Ari are you a-"

"G-get away f-from me-e" I pull away from the weight, attempting to stand as the heaviness in my head increases. Black spots overtake my vision and I sway a bit before moving off the couch.

"Sweetheart careful-" a hand grabs onto mine, pulling me gently towards their chest. I begin to panic, using all the force I can muster to pull my arm from their grasp. The figure lets go gently and raises their hands high, away from me. "I promise you're safe my love."

No, he's tricking me again. He always does.

I raise my right hand to my mouth to cover the sobs. My trembling turns to violent shivering, the panic breaths to frantic ones. I assess the room with my teary eyes to find an escape. Once I spot the big wooden door, I take a step its way, only to be grabbed from behind. I let out a scream before scratching at the arm, which only tightened its hold.

"P-Plea-se I'll d-do what yo- you wan-t, plea-se don't h-hurt me-" The arm loosens its hold at my words and I take a couple of steps away, only to stumble into the table. I feel a tear on my shoulder-

He's here and he did it again.

I thrash against the hands reaching out to me, sobbing loudly, "p-plea-se let g-go- I pro-prom- mise to -b-ee g-"

I try to pull away but the dizziness doesn't help, tears continue to streak down my face as strong arms wrap around me. I tremble, attempting to pull away but to no avail. I feel my energy drain and eventually hear the soft whispers assuring me I was safe.

"Please J-ames-" I cry, the arms holding me give me a reassuring squeeze, "Shhh, he's gone, he's not here."

"He-h said he's c-comi-ng"

"He's gone Aria, you're safe,"

The man continues to repeat his words and eventually my head felt too heavy to hold up. I slump against the figure.

"Ales-sandro?" I sniff and lean my head on his shoulder. "Si mi cielo," I relax and breathe heavily, "S-sandro he did it agai-in' I sob lightly as I explain, "he h-hurt m-me a-ag-ain." I move my hand to show the tear on my shoulder. He takes it in his soft grasp before I could touch the bloody area. He continued to rub my back as I opened up to him, ending with how I felt now, "I'm t-tired," I whisper lightly.

"I know Angel," he sighs and continues to rub my back.

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"Aria," a slight shaking awakens me. I hmm and snuggle closer to the warm chest, suddenly feeling cold.

"Sweetheart could you take this for me, it'll make you feel better and also heal your... wound."

In my sleepy state, I don't pick up the concern and take a sip of the medicine without opening my eyes, laying against the chest once again.

Footsteps persisted around me and two gentle hands were placed at the top of my shoulders. I stiffen before being lulled back to sleep.

Not knowing that the rip on my shoulder was stitched once again.